Yardbarker

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

EXPERTISE:

NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Premier League, MLS, US Soccer, UFC

Celtics, 76ers decline to say if all players meet Canadian COVID-19 vaccination requirements

Players must be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Canada for matchups in Toronto. While the Heat and Bucks say their squads are fully vaccinated, both the Celtics and 76ers declined to comment on the matter.

White Sox slugger Andrew Vaughn out one to two weeks with hip pointer

Vaughn learned he could return to action in one to two weeks. That's a relief considering the initial fears he had about the setback. 

Kevin Youkilis had little warning brother-in-law Tom Brady was ending retirement

One would think Kevin Youkilis would've known about Brady's un-retirement days, if not weeks, ahead of time, as Youkilis is married to Julie Brady, Tom's sister. That was not the case.

Bengals to 'circle back' to negotiations with star safety Jessie Bates III

Bates has balked at signing the franchise tag, leaving his contract situation with the Bengals in limbo. 

Canucks' Nils Hoglander likely done for season with lower-body injury

Hoglander appeared to suffer an injury to his upper left leg or groin during a practice back on March 16.

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni: QB Jalen Hurts 'knows he’s our guy'

Hurts, a second-round pick from the 2020 draft, recently completed his first season as Philadelphia's starter and recently received a public vote of confidence from Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie.

Man sentenced to six weeks in prison for racially abusing England's Marcus Rashford

Rashford, Sancho and Saka were targeted with hate-filled messages after they missed from the penalty spot during the shootout defeat to Italy. 

Rams intend to sign HC Sean McVay, GM Les Snead to extensions

Rams COO Kevin Demoff commented at the league's annual meetings that both McVay and Snead will put pen to paper on new contracts soon. Both have two years left on their current deals.

Jets' Kyle Connor, Nate Schmidt to miss at least three games after testing positive for COVID

The Winnipeg Jets handed other clubs a reminder that COVID-19 remains a concern as the postseason approaches. 

Wild extend Alex Goligoski with two-year, $4 million contract

Goligoski apparently isn't considering hanging his skates up anytime soon. 

Owner Jeffrey Lurie: Eagles 'committed' to Jalen Hurts

Lurie offered high praise for his current QB1 while speaking at the league's annual meetings this week.

All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner possibly joining Cowboys 'didn't work out'

Shortly after the Seattle Seahawks somewhat surprisingly parted ways with All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner before the start of the new league year, the 31-year-old was linked with a potential move to the Dallas Cowboys.

Panthers HC believes QB Sam Darnold 'is going to play significantly better'

Like the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, the Carolina Panthers struck out in their pursuit of star quarterback Deshaun Watson, who ultimately waived his no-trade clause to move from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns earlier this month.

Deshaun Watson could be suspended, Commissioner's Exempt list unlikely

The league will continue its investigation before determining any potential disciplinary action regarding Watson.

Damiere Byrd visiting receiver-needy Falcons

The Falcons continue to look for pieces to add to their new-look passing attack. 

Lions could draft QB to sit behind Jared Goff?

The team's general manager expressed confidence in Goff but left the door open to selecting a quarterback to learn under the veteran. 

Rams HC Sean McVay jokes about getting Tom Brady 'the hell out of this league'

McVay had a funny reaction to Brady announcing his return to the NFL.

HC Matt LaFleur: Packers 'definitely need to get some speed' at WR

The Packers have seen some turnover at the wide receiver and are aware of the need to address the position. 

Jim Irsay: 'It was very obvious' Colts needed upgrade over Carson Wentz

Irsay's comments paint Wentz's tenure in Indianapolis in an unflattering light. 

Giants QB Daniel Jones 'should be ready to go' for offseason program

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones missed the final six games of the 2021 NFL season with what was initially referred to as a strained neck.

Browns GM Andrew Berry in no rush to trade, cut QB Baker Mayfield

It sounds as if Berry could be prepared to take part in a waiting game up through the player-selection process that gets underway on April 28.

Cowboys WR Michael Gallup could miss first two or three games of 2022 season following ACL injury

Gallup went down with a torn ACL in his left knee back on Jan. 2, and the standard recovery timeline for such setbacks puts his status for September's regular-season opener in doubt.

Rams HC Sean McVay confirms Aaron Donald will return for 2022 season

Donald will likely receive more guaranteed money for down the road via a deal that reduces his cap hit of $26.75 million for next season.

49ers CEO Jed York open to keeping Jimmy Garoppolo even as a backup?

It's unclear what kind of trade market exists for the 30-year-old who recently played in the NFC Championship Game but also likely won't be completing meaningful throwing exercises before June.

Rangers' Ryan Strome to miss Penguins game with lower-body injury

Strome was injured during the first period of Sunday's 5-4 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres.